New Delhi:
In a heated exchange, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vehemently criticized the central government for its decision to land deportation flights from the United States at Amritsar airport, alleging a deliberate conspiracy to tarnish the image of Punjab. This criticism comes as a second batch of 119 Indian deportees is set to arrive in Amritsar, following a previous flight that sparked significant controversy.
The deportation flights have ignited a political row between the Punjab government and the central government, with Mann questioning the rationale behind choosing Amritsar as the landing site. He suggests that this decision is part of a broader effort to defame Punjab and its people.
Mann accused the BJP-led central government of intentionally targeting Punjab by selecting Amritsar as the landing site for these deportation flights. A flight carrying 119 deported Indian nationals, including 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, and others from various states, is expected to land at Amritsar Airport. This move has been met with strong opposition from Mann, who argues that the central government has not provided a satisfactory explanation for choosing Amritsar over other major airports.
Mann emphasized that illegal immigration is a national issue and should not be portrayed as exclusive to Punjab. He pointed out that while the media focuses primarily on interviews with deportees from Punjab, those from other states, such as Gujarat and Haryana, are often ignored. This selective coverage, according to Mann, further supports his claim that there is a concerted effort to defame Punjab.
The deportees are being transported under strict security protocols, including handcuffs and shackles, a practice that Mann and other critics have labeled as excessive and inhumane. Mann also raised security concerns, noting that Amritsar is close to a hostile neighbor and questioning why the government allows US military aircraft to land there despite citing security reasons for not starting international flights from the same airport.
The BJP has refuted Mann’s allegations, stating that Amritsar was chosen due to its proximity as an international airport for flights from the US. BJP national spokesperson RP Singh argued that the selection of Amritsar is based on logistical reasons and not any political motive. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar defended the government’s stance, highlighting that every country has an obligation to take back its nationals found living illegally abroad, and that the deportations were carried out under standard procedures in place since 2012.
Mann’s frustration with the central government’s silence on this issue is palpable, as he reiterated his appeals for a more dignified and respectful treatment of the deportees. He questioned why deportation flights cannot be directed to other major airports, such as the national capital, and cited examples of other flights landing at different airports without issue.
